Red Wines from Greek and International Vineyards. Well-known and not so well-known varieties, but also impressive terroir! Choose between Dry Reds, Semi-Dry Reds, Semi-Sweet Reds and Sweet Reds, as there is wine for every occasion.
Red wines stand out because of their unique ability to combine the warmth of alcohol with the aromas and flavors of red fruits. They also stand out because of their long history, which already spans millennia.
The aromas of strawberry and plum, along with the sour cherry taste of a fresh Malbec make an ideal introduction for anyone. Alternatively, an Agiorgitiko, even a slightly aged one, can easily excite someone, with its gooseberry, sour cherry, tobacco and raspberry elements. Finally, Merlot is always a great solution, offering a balanced combination of tannins, vanilla, blueberry and raspberry.
In general, the taste of red wine is dominated by sour cherry, vanilla and forest fruits. Nose is dominated by cherry, tobacco and sometimes rose. Oak and spice notes are found in aged red wines.
It is worth comparing red wines from cooler and warmer climates. In the first case, elements of wild fruit, fig and herbs are often, while in the second case elements of chocolate, coffee, truffle and cinnamon appear. These differences can be detected even if wines of the same grape variety are compared.
Occasions "thirsty" for red wine are many. A lunchtime visit to the tavern with friends requires red wine, if of course the food includes red meat. Watching a sophisticated film also requires red. Winter evenings at the wine bar are also ideal occasions. Finally, why not enjoy a light red wine during a summer dinner or during an afternoon relaxation on the balcony?
We would suggest a fresh red wine for a party. Dinner is a more special occasion. If it involves classic pasta with minced meat or with red sauce, then a slightly aged blend of red varieties would go well. More sophisticated red meat dishes seek wines of deeper aging, while a spicy pizza looks for its… origins in an Italian red variety.
Roast beef with tomato sauce and rice is excellently accompanied by a Cabernet Franc. Mavrodaphne or a blend that contains it is an ideal choice for a juicy bbq. Sausage pizza seeks Cabernet Sauvignon or a combination of it with other varieties. Rooster calls for Sangiovese or aged Liatiko, while mushroom dishes (but not with white sauce) go well with Xinomavro, Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir.
The shady and cool place rule applies here too. If the bottle has a screw cap, then store it upright and consume it within two years. If sealed with a cork, then store it sideways and forget the "stress" of the short term consumption. Opened bottles can be stored in the refrigerator, for a maximum of three days.
Fill a suitable stemmed glass ⅓ full. The temperature of red wine should not exceed 18°C.
In an old-fashioned glass, mix dry red wine (prefer Syrah), rum (Appleton is a good idea), and raspberry liqueur or syrup, in a 6:2:1 ratio. Add thin slices of orange and you have a Red Rover in your hands. Margarita lovers can prepare an… evil version of it by simply adding a small amount of dry red wine and omitting the salt on the rim of the glass. This is the Devil's Margarita.